Description

The original and benchmark when it comes to lightweight, fun road going race cars the Lotus Seven has built quite the reputation and now stands as a highly collectible model from the marques impressive history. This 1969 example is an early S3 car (often argued to be the ultimate and most desirable of the Seven's) and of the 360 made understood to be one of few than 40 cars left. It has been verified as genuine by the historic Lotus register and benefits from a Lotus twin cam engine and sought after closer ratio bullet box. For the avid Lotus enthusiast, this particular car could be seen as a great piece for preservation or to bolster a collection.

Cosmetically the car seems well and can be considered fundamentally presentable. The bodywork itself is OK bearing just age related marks and the light blemishing one would expected of a classic Lotus Seven. It also comes with side window panels and a soft top roof though a frame will need to be sourced for this.

Mechanically the Lotus appears to be in good form. The Lotus twin cam engine benefits from a recent cylinder head overhaul at specialist outfit Thurston Engineering. We have taken the car for a short drive around our farm and it performed well, starting running, driving and stopping.

The previous keeper informs us of the following engine specs.

Engine:
1,600cc Lotus twin-cam 711M block with AKS brand tall front cover to suit
Cylinder head ported and smoothed
Phosphor bronze valve seats and guides fitted
Valves are bigger diameter than the 'big valve' Lotus Elan head
AKS brand camshafts based on Cosworth L2
2x Weber 40DCOE carburettors with 33mm chokes and jetted for drivability
Carburettors ultrasound-cleaned by Seditas
Facet silver-top fuel pump
Malpassi Filter King fuel regulator with pressure gauge
Running at correct 4-5 PSI, stainless braided fuel hose with fittings
High-capacity/pressure-all pump
Baffled sump with magnetic plug
Lumenition optical ignition system/coil
High-performance CEK150 electronic ignition system
High-quality ignition leads

Gearbox:
Genuine "bullet" box with desirable close-ratio gears said to transform the car
Tall first gear, 2.50:1
Gearbox is not the more common '2000E semi-close Corsair' replacement often referred to in error as "bullet"

Cooling:
Revised cooling system with re-engineered free-flow water system
Davies Craig EWP1 80litres/min electric pump with EWPC digital control system
Extensive Samco silicone hoses with all-stainless clamp fittings
Refurbished radiator with electric fan
Exhaust
All-stainless 4-2-1 manifold, system and clamps
Rear Axle:
Strengthened/reinforced Ford RS2000 type 'English' axle and differential